You've finally decided to start your own business. You've got your business license, a catchy name for your company and you even found the perfect loaction. Then you sign-up for an ad in the local phone book. They ask you a seemingly harmless question, "What's your companys' website address, so we can add that to your online listing."  You respond by saying, "We don't have one yet but were working on it."

Now you've gotta have a website. But, what information should go on your website. Well here are a few questions to ask yourself when planning a website:

1. What do you want your website to do for your business? Are you looking for an e-commerce site that will allow you to accept payments online, as well as handle your recurring billing and invoicing needs. Are you creating a site that will inform your visitors about particular subjects. A content intensive website that requires frequent updates. Will your site be a way for you to provide 24/7 service to your customers? Maybe your site is just for geting the word out about your company.
2. What are some of the pages you want your site to have? Almost all websites have some form of the four standard pages Home, Products & Services, About Us and Contact Us.  The Home page is the most important page. This is the page that determines if a visitor sticks around aor goes back to google and selects the next site on the search list. So the Home page has to be a preview of all the things your site has to offer. Now, the Products & Services page is just that, a presentation of all the items and services your company has to offer. One must with this page is that there's a direct link to eitehr purchase, order or inquire about each product or service. The About Us page lets people know about the history of your company. If you have a new company it should sell ot your goals and objectives. The Contact Us page is how the visitor gets in touch with a real person at your company. (You need an 800 number)
3. Have you checked out the competition to see what they are doing and what they aren't doing? This can help you to stand out from your competitors. You can use this information to create a niche in your market online.

Keep these questions in mind as you plan your website. We all know you need a business plan when you start a business. Now you know you need an online business plan for designing your website.